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GRAND FORKS Mark Little Owl, former director of tribal social services for the Spirit Lake Nation, was convicted Friday on a charge of theft in North Dakota District Court in Grand Forks. Continue Reading

A federal official who has repeatedly reported allegations of child abuse at Spirit Lake Nation wrote Tuesday to complain that investigators have failed to take action to protect victims from ongoing abuse. Continue Reading

The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, which assumed responsibility for child protection services at Spirit Lake Monday, likely will manage the program for several years before returning responsibility to the tribe, said Bruce Loudermilk, the BIA’s regional director. Continue Reading

Many tribes across America desperately need a free and independent press.
And the Spirit Lake Tribe in North Dakota just might be first on the list.
The tribal council’s refusal to practice good government has been on tragic display. Continue Reading

Eastern Michigan University’s marching band stepped onto the field Saturday during the school’s game against Illinois State, they wore their “Eagles” nickname on the back of their uniforms. Inside their uniform jackets, though, they wore another logo: an American Indian head with feathers, with the name “Hurons” stitched alongside. Continue Reading

Democrats say Republicans would not approve federal grants for a home-visitation program that could have protected vulnerable children on reservations because of its link to “Obamacare.” Republican say they were concerned the program would violate privacy rights and long-term federal funding was uncertain. Nonprofit groups are now pursuing the grants. Continue Reading

Now, however, the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe’s pro-nickname Committee for Understanding and Respect argues in its appeal of that dismissal that the sanctions amount to “palpable coercion” and are evidence of the NCAA’s use of “its cartel powers to eradicate Sioux history, culture and traditions from public memory.” Continue Reading

I am very happy for Michael Tilus and his recent almost-never-heard-of “win,” but the unfortunate truth is, this does nothing for the immediate safety and well-being of the children on the reservation. Continue Reading

Recent deaths of children at the Spirit Lake Nation have brought a spotlight on child abuse and neglect, from federal and state authorities and from the news media. Greg Gagnon, a now retired Indian studies professor, says those problems are real, but many outsiders do not appreciate the enormous hurdles tribal officials face in dealing with the problem. Continue Reading